Young Hexham designer takes inspiration from Royal silversmiths

A 22 year-old designer from Hexham has spent time with a firm of London jewellers who supply to the Royal Family in order to gain inspiration.

Rebecca Holland was one of four young entrepreneurs, who have set up design business, invited to visit the firm with a Royal Warrant.

The University of Arts graduate used a Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme, supported by the European Regional Development Fund 2007-2013, to set up her design business, selling cushions, gifts and greetings cards.

Rebecca said: “Being able to spend time with a company like Mappin & Webb is the most fantastic opportunity.

“We spent time in the workshop, were given a personal tour of the flagship store in Regent Street and talked to members of the team from the Commercial Manager to designers, members of the sales team and graphic designers.

“I was so excited to be selected and it was really inspirational. I have come back to Hexham with so many ideas for my own business.”

Rebecca sources vintage fabrics and other materials including cottons, suede, corduroy, waxed cotton, paper and maps for her cushions and cards.

She is also seeing a growing demand for individually designed bespoke items for special occasions or gifts.

Mappin & Webb had its beginnings in 1775, still holds the Royal Warrant first granted to the company by Queen Victoria, and is known worldwide for its classic silverware and jewellery.

The company is one of The Prince’s Trust retail partners and is making the trophies for The Prince’s Trust & Samsung Celebrate Success Awards which recognise the achievements of young people supported by The Trust who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community. The ceremony will take place in March.

Mappin & Webb decided to give four young designers the chance to learn about the process of creating the trophies and benefit their own businesses with an insider view of the creative, design, production and marketing teams at work.

Rebecca added: “I am currently re-developing my website and looking to extend the number of stockists for my work so the visit was perfectly timed for me.

“Running your own business is hard work but I am determined to make a success of it and am very grateful to The Prince’s Trust and to Mappin & Webb for supporting me and giving me an opportunity that I will always remember.”